First BEAR® Implant in Hampton Roads Performed by Dr. Jennifer Byrd | A New Option for ACL Repair

Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists is proud to announce a major advancement in orthopaedic care: Dr. Jennifer Byrd, board-certified Sports Medicine physician, has performed the first BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) Implant procedure in Hampton Roads.

This breakthrough offers patients in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and surrounding areas a new way to treat ACL injuries, one that focuses on healing the body’s own ligament instead of replacing it.

A Breakthrough in ACL Treatment

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries in the United States, affecting an estimated hundreds of thousands of individuals each year, particularly athletes and active adults.

For decades, the standard treatment has been ACL reconstruction, which involves removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a tendon graft. While widely used, this approach does not restore the original ligament and can come with tradeoffs such as donor site discomfort or prolonged weakness.

The BEAR® implant is the first FDA-approved technology designed to help the ACL heal itself, marking the first major shift in ACL treatment in over 30 years.

Why ACL Injuries Don’t Heal Naturally

Unlike other ligaments, the ACL has difficulty healing on its own due to the unique environment inside the knee joint.

The knee is filled with synovial fluid, which is essential for smooth movement, but it also disrupts the body’s ability to form the blood clot needed to reconnect torn ligament tissue. Without that clot, natural healing cannot take place.

How the BEAR® Implant Works

The BEAR® Implant introduces a completely different approach.

Rather than removing the ligament, the surgeon places the implant between the torn ends of the ACL during a minimally invasive procedure. A small amount of the patient’s own blood is then introduced into the implant.

This combination creates the ideal environment for healing by:

• Supporting clot formation between the torn ligament ends
• Protecting the healing tissue within the knee joint
• Allowing the ACL to reconnect while maintaining its natural attachments

Over time, as the ligament heals, the implant is gradually absorbed by the body, leaving behind the patient’s own restored ACL.

Key Benefits of the BEAR® Implant

For appropriate candidates, the BEAR® Implant offers several meaningful advantages over traditional ACL reconstruction:

• Preserves the natural ACL, rather than replacing it
• Eliminates the need for graft harvesting, avoiding a second surgical site
• Reduces risks of donor site pain or long-term muscle weakness
• Maintains more natural knee function
• Offers a promising alternative for younger and active patients

In traditional reconstruction, some patients experience ongoing issues such as discomfort when kneeling or reduced strength. By avoiding graft use, the BEAR® Implant helps minimize these concerns.

Additionally, if revision is ever needed, it may be more straightforward compared to repeat ACL reconstruction surgeries.

Who May Be a Candidate?

The BEAR® Implant may be an option for:

• Adults, adolescents, and children with ACL tears
• Patients with complete or partial ACL ruptures confirmed by MRI
• Individuals who still have enough ligament tissue remaining to support repair

Timing is also important, as this procedure is typically performed relatively soon after injury.

A consultation with a sports medicine specialist is essential to determine if this innovative approach is the right fit.

Now Offering Advanced ACL Repair in Hampton Roads

Patients across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding areas now have access to this next-generation ACL treatment.

If you’ve experienced a knee injury or have been diagnosed with an ACL tear, our team is here to guide you through your options and help you make the best decision for your recovery.

To read verified patient reviews about Dr. Jennifer Byrd, click here.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Byrd to learn if the BEAR® Implant is right for you.